Relieving Rotator Cuff Pain
Typically, conversations regarding rotator cuff injuries tend to focus mainly on damage such as torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the joint. Often, the injury results from poor movement and can make raising, stretching, or even lifting the shoulders and arms painful. In mild cases, people could achieve relief with non-invasive solutions. However, more pervasive damage historically required an open surgery to correct, realign tissue, and clear debris. While effective, open surgeries resulted in longer recovery periods, more pervasive scarring, and limited mobility until fully healed. Minimally invasive surgeries changed that reality for countless people. Additionally, depending on the type of damage that’s present, the surgery made correcting an injury easier.
Causes of rotator cuff injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are the type of condition that’s typically associated with athletes like baseball players or even golfers. Specifically, when a joint performs repetitive motions the likelihood of damage is higher. Still, less active people that practice poor posture or have physically demanding jobs can also suffer a rotator cuff injury. In an ideal setting where the injury simply stretches tissues in the joint, people can often rely on at-home treatments like rest or icing the shoulder. Sometimes, steroid shots can also be an effective solution. Yet, if more extensive problems are present, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery.
Shoulder impingement
A great example of when surgery might be best is for a shoulder impingement. The condition is a specific type of rotator cuff injury that can be the result of overuse. The most common issue is that tendonitis can lead to expansive pain in the joint. The inflamed tendons expand from swelling and directly rub against the top of a person’s shoulder. When the joint is activated, the resulting effect is intense pain that can lead to reduced mobility.
Minimally invasive surgery
Rotator cuff surgeries are fairly common, and these days most orthopedic surgeons will recommend an arthroscopic or minimally invasive surgery (MIS). For patients, the operation is typically an outpatient one with people usually going home the same day. Arthroscopic surgery relies on small surgical tools and a camera to guide physicians. Specific to shoulder impingement, surgeons usually shave down any bone spurs on the shoulder blade or remove any inflammation from the tendon. The most important aspect of MIS shoulder impingement is that patients can expect less scarring, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery.
Recovering from MIS arthroscopy
One of the biggest benefits of MIS arthroscopy is a faster recovery timeline and shorter immobility periods. Although individual recovery times depend on the extent of the injury, patient health and recovery behaviors, most people can achieve full relief in 2-4 months after surgery. Still, some individuals may require a full 12 months. For best results, following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions and undergoing physical therapy are critical.
Get back to regular life
Shoulder injuries are frustrating because the event can limit mobility, bring intense pain, and reduce overall quality of life. While not every individual with a rotator cuff injury will need surgery, or even have an impingement, for people who do, a MIS impingement surgery can help bring essential relief and get people back to living a full life.
